Bangkok declares flood disaster as torrential rain leaves streets submerged
Bangkok declares a flood disaster after almost 48 hours of heavy rain leaves roads submerged and homes flooded.
Bangkok's authorities declared a flood disaster on Saturday following a torrential downpour of almost 48 hours, inundating canals, roads, and residents alike. The governor advised citizens to remain indoors as 300 millimeters of rain fell since Thursday, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cutting his trip to London short. Motorbike rider Samruay Nakkamnueng described flooded streets in the Ari neighborhood, while an AFP reporter in On Nut saw residents filling sandbags.
Bangkok Mayor Chadchart Sittipunt revealed the east of the city faced the brunt of the flooding and warned more rain was expected, while pumping stations worked around the clock to alleviate the water. The city, built on former marshland, rests about five feet above sea level and has seen 487 millimeters of rain since September 1, surpassing the usual average.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department cautioned of potential low-pressure systems and reported flash flood, mudslide, and river overflow risks until Sunday.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 5 other outlets
- Heavy rain and flooding in Bangkok disrupts traffic and prompts evacuations channelnewsasia.com
- Heavy rain and flooding in Bangkok disrupts traffic and prompts evacuations winnipegfreepress.com
- Heavy rain and flooding in Bangkok disrupts traffic and prompts evacuations gulfnews.com
- Thailand: Bangkok flooding triggers disaster declaration dw.com
- Thailand: Bangkok Flooding Triggers Disaster Declaration en.tempo.co
